UConn football notebook: Todman, Reyes considering NFL Draft

Published 5:56 pm, Monday, December 13, 2010

CHECKING OUT EARLY? -- Running back Jordan Todman and defensive tackle Kendall Reyes, both juniors, are exploring the possibility of leaving school early to enter the NFL Draft. Coach Randy Edsall said Monday he is trying to find out how both players stack up to other potential draftees.

"I think they've earned that right, to get that information, based on their play on the field," Edsall said.

NEW ROLE -- When the season began Edsall named himself coach of the team's safeties. Darrell Perkins, who is in his first year as the team's defensive backs coach, was left to focus on the cornerbacks.

After the Louisville game, however, Edsall said he "fired" himself as an assistant coach to concentrate on his primary duties.

"I needed to get back to doing the big picture stuff," Edsall said. "As much as I was trying to help our team become better ... it took something away."

INJURY UPDATE -- Edsall said he expects offensive tackle Mike Ryan (leg) and defensive tackle Twyon Martin (leg), both of whom missed the regular season finale against South Florida, to be available against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

"I think everybody will be available for the game," Edsall said.

The coach also reported that center Moe Petrus recently had surgery on his hand, but that he'd also be ready to play Jan. 1.

CHRISTMAS IN STORRS -- Representatives from the Fiesta Bowl were on the UConn campus Monday and among the duties they performed was handing out the "gifts" the players receive for participating in the bowl.

Unlike some other bowls, the Fiesta allows players to pick the items they want to receive.

"They had the department store set up in the team meeting room where they can come in and choose their gifts," Edsall said.

Players were able to choose a gift or gifts totaling seven "points." They apparently had five or six options from which to choose.

AWARDS DAY -- The Huskies gave out a number of team awards during their annual dinner Sunday.

Not surprisingly, Todman was the team's MVP and linebacker Lawrence Wilson was the team's defensive player of the year. Quarterback Zach Frazer earned the offensive player of the year award, while kicker Dave Teggart and long snapper Derek Chard shared the special teams player of the year award.

ALL-STARS -- Wilson and Lutrus are scheduled to play in the East-West Shrine Game Jan. 22 in Orlando, Fla.

Hurd and Sherman are slated to play in the Texas vs. The Nation game Feb. 5 in San Antonio.

EXTRA POINTS -- According to Edsall's quick math, Frazer is 11-3 in games he started and finished over the last two years. ¦ The Huskies are on a break from practice for final exams. They'll return to practice Saturday. The players are scheduled to be in Phoenix Dec. 26. ¦ Both UConn men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun and associate head coach George Blaney sent Edsall written notes congratulating him on making the BCS. "It just makes you feel good that your colleagues recognize what has taken place and understand obstacles," Edsall said.